A shooting in Long Beach turned into a nearly 20-mile police chase early Tuesday morning, with the suspect allegedly opening fire at officers before eventually crashing in downtown Los Angeles. Nobody was struck by the gunfire during the exchange.
According to ABC7, the shooting happened around 12:24 a.m. Tuesday in the 200 block of Aquarium Way in Long Beach, near the city’s waterfront and the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Three people were injured, with two taken to the hospital and another treated at the scene. All three are expected to recover.
Police located the suspect’s vehicle near Burnett Street and Pacific Avenue. That’s when things went from a shooting investigation to a very long night for everyone involved.
The Suspect Opened Fire While Fleeing
Officers began pursuing the suspect, who eventually headed north on the 710 Freeway. During the pursuit, the suspect allegedly started shooting at the officers following him. Police returned fire, but despite rounds being exchanged between the suspect and officers, nobody was hit.
The gunfire shut down all northbound lanes of the 710 at Long Beach Boulevard, along with connectors to the 91 Freeway, MyNewsLA reported. The closure stayed in effect until around 9 a.m., right through the start of the morning commute.
The Ending Crash
The pursuit ended when the suspect crashed into a power pole and fire hydrant near Santa Fe Avenue and 11th Street in downtown LA. The crash knocked out power to the area and sprayed water all over the streets.
The suspect was removed from the wreckage and taken into custody before he was taken to the hospital for injuries he sustained in the crash. A firearm was recovered at the scene. The case remains under investigation, and no charges or the identity of a suspect have been released.
Charges He Could Face
While the exact charges will depend on what investigators and prosecutors determine happened, California law gives authorities several options in a case like this. Under California Penal Code Section 245, assault with a firearm on a peace officer performing their duties is a felony punishable by four, six, or eight years in state prison.
The fleeing itself adds another layer of charges. California Vehicle Code Section 2800.2 makes it an offense to willfully evade police while driving with wanton disregard for the safety of people or property.
While no formal charges have been announced, he could be facing these and a long prison sentence.